1. Design of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine
MUN VAWT DESIGN
Group 11
Jonathan Clarke
Luke Hancox
Daniel MacKenzie
Matthew Whelan

2. INTRODUCTION
For many remote communities, electrical power is provided by diesel generators
Wind power is a viable option to offset the cost of fuel
Our goal is to design a vertical-axis wind turbine specifically for operation in remote communities in Newfoundland and Labrador
Image Credits: The Telegram

3. PROJECT GOALS Work in conjunction with diesel generators
Simple design to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance issues
Sized to provide required energy with the ability to be shipped to remote/isolated areas
Able to account for variable wind conditions in the target area
Design will focus on aerodynamic and structural analysis

4. BENEFITS OF A VERTICAL AXIS DESIGN
Heavy drivetrain components are located at the base
Easier to maintain
They operate from winds in any direction
No yaw system required
Generate less noise than horizontal-axis turbines
The characteristics of VAWT designs make them favourable for offshore environments

5. WEATHER DATA
Hourly wind speed data in the target area was collected from Environment Canada
Period from September 2012 to September 2013
Average wind speed is around 18 km/h, or 5 m/s
Records of maximum wind gust intensity and duration were also available
Maximum gust speed was 120 km/h, or 34 m/s

6. SAMPLE WIND DATA

7. VAWT SIZING
Average power consumption in Newfoundland and Labrador homes in January is 3.8kW (according to Statistics Canada)
100kW will provide enough energy for ~25 homes
Turbine parts should be able to be shipped via aircraft or boat
Nameplate capacity of a turbine is usually the maximum it will generate
Different wind conditions lead to different generation rates

8. STATE-OF-THE-ART
VAWT Types
Airfoils
NACA 0018
DU 06-W-200

9. STATE-OF-THE-ART Number of Blades Solidity Concentrator
Measurement of blade area over rotor area
Concentrator

10. VAWT CONFIGURATIONS Two main configurations: Savonius and Darrieus
Savonius is drag driven
Darrieus is lift driven
High torque, low speed
High speed, high efficiency

11. DARRIUS CONFIGURATIONS
Source: A Retrospective of VAWT technology (2012), H. Sutherland et. al

12. Full Darrieus, V-Rotor Darrieus, Savonius
PRELIMINARY DESIGN
Based on preliminary research, the general configuration of the turbine design was selected
Criteria
Optimal Choice
Alternatives
Configuration
H-Rotor Darrieus
Full Darrieus, V-Rotor Darrieus, Savonius
# of Blades 3
2 to 5
Airfoil
DU 06-W-200
NACA-Series Airfoils
Solidity
0.35
0.15 to 0.5
Source: Determination of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Configuration through CFD Simulations
P. Sabaeifard et. al

13. PRELIMINARY DESIGN
A “H-Darrieus” configuration combines the high efficiency of a Darrieus turbine with the simplicity of the “H” configuration
A 3-bladed design increases rotor stability, eliminates symmetrical loading and reduces torque ripple in the drive train
Based on research findings, a DU 06-W-200 airfoil and a solidity of 0.35 should be selected

14. NEXT STEPS First phase of the project is complete
Preliminary research and concept selection
Second phase will be from February 7th to March 7th
Preliminary aerodynamic modelling and structural design
Selection of generator and ancillary components
Third phase will be from March 7th to April 4th
Detailed aerodynamic modelling and final design of structure
Economic analysis
Prototype construction if time permits
Final deliverable will be a detailed aerodynamic model

15. ENGI 8926 Mechanical Design Project II
MUN VAWT DESIGN
ENGI 8926 Mechanical Design Project II
QUESTIONS?